Ankle distraction hinged motion arthroplasty in the Ilizarov frame; [Дистракционная артикулирующая артропластика голеностопного сустава в аппарате Илизарова]

Objective. To study distraction hinged motion arthroplasty of the ankle joint in combined treatment of osteoarthritis in terminal stages. Material and methods. Ankle distraction hinged motion arthroplasty in the Ilizarov frame was performed in 10 patients with terminal post-traumatic osteoarthritis (mean age 54±6.2 years). Surgical technique and design of the Ilizarov frame, as well as additional reconstructive interventions are described. Results. Preoperative VAS score of pain syndrome was 7±2.3 cm, after 2 postoperative weeks — 1±0.5 cm, 4 weeks — 0.5±0.5 cm, 9 weeks or before dismantling — 0±0.5 cm. Arthroscopic debridement of anterior part of the ankle joint was carried out in 6 cases, posterior part — 1 case, anchor reconstruction of lateral ligamentous complex (InternalBrace technique) — 1 case, anchor reconstruction of medial ligamentous complex — 2 cases. Restoration of anterior portion of syndesmosis was performed in 1 case. Pin site infections occurred in 2 cases. In one case, there was a breakdown of the wire fixator holding the pin passed through the talus in 5 weeks after surgery. Conclusion. Preliminary results allow us to characterize the proposed design of the Ilizarov frame layout and surgical technique as relatively simple and promising for postponing radical surgery on the ankle joint. © The Author(s) 2023.